“Flu season isn’t over, and you should protect yourself,” Elizabeth Webster, M.D., director of the Hampton and Peninsula health districts said in a news release.

“This year’s flu has been an especially severe strain, and we are urging all area residents who have not had a flu vaccine to get one,” she said.

Influenza is easily spread by coughing, sneezing and nasal secretions, and it can be transmitted on dirty surfaces and hands, officials said. The vaccine is especially important for children who share items and surfaces in schools and daycare facilities. The vaccine is recommended for everyone over the age of 6 months.

“Proper hand washing is the best technique for keeping flu from spreading. If you do get sick, stay home from work or school until you recover. In addition, prescription antiviral medications may help treat the flu,” Webster said.

The free flu shots are available to anyone, not just Peninsula residents, according to Virginia Department of Health spokesman Larry Hill.

Both locations will offer immunizations from 8 to 10:30 a.m. and 1 to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, except Wednesday morning, according to the release.

The Hampton Health Department is located at 3130 Victoria Boulevard in Hampton, and the Peninsula Health Department is located at 416 J. Clyde Morris Blvd. in Newport News.

“You just need to walk in and ask for a free flu shot,” the release states.